Organize everything, from Art to Zippers

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By The Editors of Real Simple You're not quite sure how those spare buttons always end up at the bottom of your purse, covered in crumbs. Or why Rover's heartworm pills are sharing shelf space with the aspirin. Sure, you might not be the most organized person in the world, but you don't have to feel so scattered, either. Read this guide to learn how to give it all a proper home, and check out Merrie Christensen's Conquering Clutter blog on al.com at http://blog.al.com/conquering-clutter/index.html.

Artwork: Wrap framed artwork in archival polyethylene plastic. Place in a cardboard mirror box and store upright. For unframed works on paper, separate with acid-free tissue paper; lay in an archival box.

Batteries: Store batteries in original packaging. Secure loose batteries with a rubber band so that all the positives point the same way.

Condiments: Consider the Oxo Good Grips two-tier lazy Susan ($25, www.oxo.com), which features a top tray that can be raised to fit condiment bottles.

Dishes: Wrap plates individually with heavy-duty plastic wrap and stack up to eight before securing them tightly with the wrap.

Electronic cords: Slice a cardboard tube from a paper towel roll down one side, then wrap the tubing around the wires to keep them neat.

Firewood: Store wood on a log rack under a tarp outdoors to protect it from rain and snow.

Grills and propane tanks: Disconnect the propane tank and keep it at least five feet from your house. Test it for leaks by sponging the closed valve with soapy water and looking for bubbles.

Household papers: Get a scanner. For each document, add a title page that says where the hard copy can be located. Then send the electronic files to a secure online storage space, like www.Mozy.com, which costs about $5 a month.

Incoming mail: Keep a pretty recycling bin and a shredder by the front door to make daily sorting easy.

Jewelry: Wrap each necklace around a piece of cardboard and put in separate zippered plastic bags.

Knives: Hang knives on a wall-mounted magnetic strip or use a knife block.

Lightbulbs: Keep bulbs in the original packaging to protect them from breakage or place bulbs in a shoe box lined with bubble wrap.

Magazines: Send magazines to an archival service, like Denver Bookbinding (www.denverbook.com), which will bind the stash into one or more hardcovers for $50 and up.

Nuts and bolts: Nail Ball jar lids to the underside of a surface near where you store your tools, then twist the jars into place. Put like-size nuts and bolts in one jar and wood screws in another.

Out-of-season clothes: Store sweaters in a garment box made of breathable cotton. For hanging items, use wood, plastic, or padded ones to avoid discoloration.

Pet supplies: Stash pet goods in a tall, skinny tag-sale dresser. Dedicate the top drawer to pet health, the second drawer to spare leashes and collars, third to grooming supplies, last to bulk dog chews.

Quilts: Lay archival tissue paper on top of your quilt. Next, gently fold the quilt, place it in a clean cotton pillowcase, and then put it in a box made of polypropylene. Once a year, refold the quilt in a different way.

Recipes: Scan recipes, then organize them with a software system, like eChef.

Sports equipment: Keep balls in net bags in a hall closet, and hang them on hooks. For bats, rackets, and golf clubs, use an umbrella stand.

Towels: Roll them to take up less space.

Utensils: Keep a ceramic vase next to the stove for wooden spoons, tongs, and spatulas.

Vases: You need only three kinds of vases: A bud vase, for one or two stems; a cup-shaped vessel, for small bouquets; and a cylindrical vase, for long-stemmed bunches.

Wine: Never store bottles in direct sunlight or near a stove. Lay bottles on their sides so the wine stays in contact with the cork, preventing air from oxidizing it.

Xmas ornaments: Lay non-fragile ornaments on the bottom of a large plastic storage bin, then add crisscross strips of cardboard. Place two kitchen-utensil drawer inserts on the cardboard and put the smaller ornaments inside them. Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap and lay them on top. Finally, add the tree skirt.

Yard furniture: Make sure cushions are completely dry before placing them in large plastic boxes. Store lighter furniture, like plastic, wood, and wicker, indoors. Protect heavy pieces outside with a tarp.

Zippers and other sewing supplies: The fly compartments of tackle boxes are perfect for zippers, buttons, and trim. And the clear lids let you spot what you need before you open the box.